Wings of Ember
Chapter One
A Child's Tale
'Light is the first of painters. There is no object so foul that intense light will not make it beautiful.' -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Novalei bit her thumb nail as she frantically thought of what to do in her situation. Her leg bounced as she sat on the small uncomfortable bus stop bench.
How stupid was she? One minute she was traveling with Kyle to go to his parent's home to sort out their situation, then she needed to take a bathroom break. Next thing she knew, when she went back to the car, he was gone. He had abandoned her.
She had left her purse in the car; he had her money and her identification card. Now, she sat abandoned and hungry at a bus stop. And to 'put the icing on the cake', the situation they were sorting out was the fact that just two months ago, Novalei discovered her pregnancy.
Twenty three years old, just graduated college, and no way to get a job without her ID card. Her parents passed away four years ago and her brother was in a mental asylum. She has no one to turn to.
After a few more moments of worrying Novalei noticed the street lamps flickering and immediately began to calm herself, the last thing she needed was for people to find out about her…abilities? Is that what she should call it?
Once again she felt the familiar rumbling in her stomach along with the faint growling sound. As if it would help mask the sound Novalei wrapped her arms around her abdomen.
Novalei sighed and decided to move away from her seat at the bus stop, she needed a walk to clear her head.
Maybe she could call her grandparents in America? Though, the last time she saw them she was a toddler, she didn't know what number to call or if they were even alive anymore.
In the midst of her thoughts she felt a harsh nudge against her shoulder and soon found herself on the ground looking up at an unfamiliar face utterly confused, it took a while for her to realize she had run into him.
"Oh, I'm sorry," she said timidly while rubbing her shoulder, when he smiled warmly at her she felt blood rush to her cheeks as she blushed a slight pink.
"Don't worry about it, accidents happen right?" he replied and offered her his hand. Shakily, she grasped it and he pulled her up to her feet.
"Thanks," she said sheepishly, the blush still apparent on her cheeks. 'Great, in a tough situation and all you can do is be the blushing damsel in distress' Novalei thought to herself.
"You okay?" she heard the man ask and immediately broke from her thoughts to look back at him.
"Yeah, I should be," she answered, unsure of what he meant, from her colliding into the sidewalk to her more than likely distressed demeanor. After her reply she noticed his brow furrowed only peaking her curiosity.
"How about I take you out to lunch? You know, to make up for knocking you over," he offered, Novalei wanted to tell him that it was her fault and that she should be the one to apologize, but the constant twisting of her hungry stomach convinced her otherwise.
"O-okay," she answered and shyly took his outstretched hand. Novalei wasn't one to accept a free meal easily, she was taught to always be independent, never take 'charity' from others.
When the two entered the small restaurant Novalei's nerves didn't settle, only when they took a seat did it finally sink in that she was about to eat with a perfect stranger. She has no money, how did she expect to pay her part?
Novalei looked up, about to excuse herself and leave before she was in too deep, but the man across from her gently grasped her hand before she had the chance to open her mouth to speak.
"Please, don't leave," he said gently, Novalei was confused, that much was obvious.
"But I have no money to pay for…" she began but was interrupted.
"Don't worry about it, I asked you to accompany me here because I wanted to talk with you," her brows furrowed as she gazed at him, realizing she didn't even know his name.
"My name is Charles, now, excuse me if I am being forward but… you're not alone in your abilities," her whole body jolted from the sudden voice she heard, 'And now I'm hearing voices, just great.' She thought to herself.
"I can assure you that you are not hearing imaginary voices, this is my ability, much like how you can turn on a light without flipping a switch," after she heard the voice again she recognized that it belonged to Charles.
"What do you want with me?" Novalei asked shakily, pulling her hand back from his gentle grasp.
"I have no bad intentions on bringing you here, just as I said before, I only want to talk," he answered, speaking out loud, much to Novalei's relief.
"I'm listening," she said slowly, leaning back into her chair. This day was proving to be one of her most eventful yet. Hopefully, it would take a better turn, and this guy didn't want her for some sort of cult. Novalei shivered at the thought.
"I want to begin a school of sorts; seeing as you are a recent graduate and perfectly qualified I would like to hire you for a teaching job," he explained and Novalei was thankful that this turn was for the better, but there was a problem.
"But, I'm not qualified to teach, my major was in molecular physics," she explained, perplexed as to why he was asking her to do a job she wasn't qualified for.
"I am aware, but this school isn't intended for…the normalcy of regular schools," Novalei leaned forward slightly, every word he spoke now piqued her curiosity.
"Then what is the intention of this school?" she asked, however, he held up his hand and Novalei noticed the waiter walking towards their table.
"Are we ready to order?" he asked kindly and Charles nodded ordering the two turkey sandwiches and tea, then turned back to Novalei with the same serious expression.
"People like you and me, with special abilities, I want it to be kind of like a safe haven away from ridicule so they can focus on their education, and also learn to control their powers," Novalei raised an eyebrow at his explanation.
"So, what would I be teaching?"She asked.
"I believe you have a minor in mathematics," he stated and Novalei nodded. "You can also teach science classes if you wish," he added.
"Alright, so how many students attend?" Novalei inquired and that's when Charles chuckled nervously.
"Well, I am still trying to recruit students, so, none," Novalei tried to hide her annoyed expression but her demeanor slipped slightly with the small tug at the corner of her lips.
"But, I believe if I have distinguished teachers at the time of recruitment the probability of gaining students would rise," Charles quickly explained trying to make logic of his intentions.
"So, I wouldn't start immediately," she stated and he nodded with a nervous smile. "I don't know, I really need a job I can start on immediately," she contemplated but he was quick to interject.
"Until the time comes for you to start work we have a lab you could work in with a fellow scientist, I can provide room and board," Novalei was sure it was obvious she was taken off guard.
"Seriously?" she asked, skeptical that she was hearing correctly, and then another thought crossed her mind.
"How did you find out about me?" she asked suddenly causing Charles to jump slightly from the change of pitch in her voice.
"Well, the scientist I talked about earlier, he created a mechanism where I can locate mutants using my abilities, at first when I discovered you your powers intrigued me, then I learned you have a degree in molecular physics." He paused, then continued, " I wanted you to teach for me, then this morning I planned to approach you since you were in the area, I unintentionally found out about your..situation." he finished.
"Well, I don't want to take charity," Novalei replied a little too harshly.
"It's not charity, you would be working and the room and board would be your pay until I can receive proper funding," Charles just wouldn't give up.
Novalei sighed in defeat and he knew what her answer was before she had spoken it.
"Okay, but you are aware of the…whole situation?" she asked looking down at her stomach that had yet to swell with her child.
"Yes, and I am prepared to provide for you in order to have you teach for me," just after that statement their food had arrived and Novalei couldn't help but begin to eat immediately, mentally thanking him for the food sure that he could hear it, the buzzing in the back of her head hadn't stopped since they arrived at the restaurant.
The small smile that reached his lips didn't go unnoticed as she took a sip of her tea
"No problem,"
This day definitely made Novalei's most interesting list.
A/n: sooooo, is it worse than the original one? I certainly hope not cause this one will be much better lol and I appreciate all the story alerts, but only one review? It's the internet guys, c'mon, don't be shy haha
Hopefully I'll be back soon with the next chapter.
oh, and i figured out the page break! :D
